Former New York City police officer Gilberto Valle, dubbed by local media as the "Cannibal Cop" after a verdict was delivered at his trial as seen in this courtroom sketch in New York March 12, 2013. Valle was convicted of plotting to kidnap, cook and eat women following a trial that shed light on an underworld of people who derive pleasure from fantasizing about cannibalism online, March 12, 2013. REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg (UNITED STATES - Tags: CRIME LAW) NEW YORK POST OUT - RTR3EW4W

Former NYPD Officer’s Conviction Of Conspiracy To Eat His Wife Overturned On Appeal

A former NYPD officer who allegedly planned to kidnap, kill and cook young women had his conviction overturned on appeal, The Associated Press reports.

Gilberto Valle was convicted in March 2013 when a jury determined he wasn’t just fantasizing while discussing with others online about cooking and eating his wife and other women.

But a judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to prove he actually intended to carry out the plot.

“Gil Valle is innocent of any conspiracy,” Valle’s defense attorney Julia Gatto said in a statement. “Gil is guilty of nothing more than having unconventional thoughts. But we don’t convict people, take away their liberty and imprison them for their thoughts.”

Valle is still on the hook for using a law enforcement database to look up potential targets, the key point of evidence used in his arrest.

Incidentally, Valle has been working as a cook during his 18 months in prison. He is expected to be released later Tuesday.